ABORIGINAL SERVICESHELPING YOU ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS

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At Okanagan College we are dedicated to providing the skills, training and education to help you achieve your goals. We are proud to offer courses and programs you can relate to in a wide range of subject areas. Learn the skills you need to succeed at work. Within our classes and programs you will experience a welcoming and friendly environment – we are here for you. It’s a two-way street: while you learn from our expert instructors, we will learn from you. We celebrate the rich culture and heritage that all students bring to Okanagan College and are proud to provide a respectful learning environment. We believe in community and value our growing partnerships and dialogue with First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities in Canada. We invite you to join our community.

YOUR LEARNING COMMUNITY

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CONNECTING TO THE LAND:

REVELSTOKE

SUMMERLAND

OLIVER

SALMON ARM

KELOWNA

VERNON

PENTICTON

A SENSE OF PLACESECWEPEMC & SYILXStudy close to home at one of our four campuses located within the traditional territories of the Shuswap and Okanagan Nations.

PENTICTON • KELOWNA • VERNON • SALMON ARM

First Nation communities in the OC region

Adams Lake Indian BandLittle Shuswap Lake Indian BandLower Similkameen Indian BandNeskonlith Indian BandOkanagan Indian BandOsoyoos Indian BandPenticton Indian BandSplatsin Indian BandUpper Similkameen Indian BandWestbank First Nation

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Edna FelixSpiritual Helper and Elder, Splatsin Indian BandStepping Forward Program, 2015 graduateSplatsin Indian Band Councillor

Edna returned to the classroom 40 years later as a mature student.

“I was nervous heading into the program but I discovered that my life experience had already been an education, I just needed to hone in my skills and make them sharper. In the program I learned essential skills for the workplace such as computer training and time-management, but it was also valuable to learn about self-esteem and goal setting.”

While in class, Edna upheld the tradition of oral story telling and mentored the younger students by teaching them the stories of her family, land, and people. Today, as a Band Councillor, she oversees the Human & Social Services and the Language, Culture & Traditions portfolios. “Okanagan College honoured and included my Aboriginal culture, which made me feel comfortable and welcome.”

Josh Starrett 27, Lake Babine NationCulinary Arts Certificate, first yearGarde Manger cook at Waterfront Wines in Kelowna

Q: What inspired you to train to be a chef?

A: I had worked in restaurants since I was 16. It was just a job, but it turned into a passion. I realized I could make a lot out of very little and that I could be really creative. At OC, I can bring an idea to the chef instructors and they guide me to how to achieve it by showing me the right techniques. They truly teach me the skills I need to become a chef.

Q: How is your Aboriginal heritage celebrated at OC?

A: It’s amazing, there’s always a lot happening on campus whether it is the Powwow, Career Day BBQ, or workshops. The College really supports us in having our heritage be announced and for other students to also participate in our culture. It’s fun and reassuring to be able to showcase the pride of where we come from, and to truly connect as a community.

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We believe in providing students with the tools, resources, and support services to help you be the best that you can be and achieve your goals. Rich cultural events, caring support services, and partnerships with the Indigenous communities means you will get the most out of your education.

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WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

Aboriginal Student CentresOkanagan College provides gathering places for students at its four campuses. The Aboriginal Student Centres are spaces just for you. Enjoy coffee, snacks, and a comfortable couch to relax on between classes and connect with your peers. The study space also offers a computer lab and our Aboriginal Services team is always happy to provide support and listen.

Peer MentorsConnect with a Peer Mentor, a current student who has been in your shoes and understands the demands of being a student. Peer Mentors are fellow Aboriginal students hired by Okanagan College to provide insight, support, and guidance to help you along your educational path. From school related concerns to adjusting to student life, Peer Mentors are here to help you in achieving your visions of success.

Aboriginal Transition PlannersAboriginal Transition Planners are your primary resource while you attend Okanagan College and transition into your career. They act as the main point of contact for recruitment and as a community liaison. The role of the Aboriginal Transition Planner is also to work with you to develop and implement an individual plan so that you can find the right path to achieve your goals, and navigate through the course and program options available.

Financing your educationA number of scholarships, bursaries, and awards are available to Aboriginal students attending Okanagan College. The Aboriginal Transition Planners can guide you through the applications and provide details about deadlines to apply.

Band and Métis Nation sponsorshipSome First Nation bands and the Métis Nation may be able to sponsor you to attend college. Contact the Education Coordinator at your local band or nation office to find out about potential funding.

Co-op employmentGet a head start on your career by combining what you learn in class with real-world work experience through a co-op experience. Okanagan College helps to connect co-op students with local employers for paid work opportunities that are in the industry the student is studying.

Aboriginal Business CommunityAll of the First Nation communities in the Okanagan region have developed partnerships with the College on corporate training programs. Aboriginal businesses are turning to the College for personalized education solutions that grow their business and community by promoting ongoing professional development for employees through Continuing Studies programs and courses.

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The College community comes together to celebrate, share, embrace, and acknowledge Aboriginal traditions in meaningful ways at all its campuses. Each year these events include:

• Annual Youth Exhibition Powwow• Aboriginal Student Recognition Ceremony• Aboriginal Day Celebrations• Louis Riel Day• Potluck lunches• Cultural workshops • Aboriginal Career Fair• Welcome Song opening at all convocation ceremonies

Visiting Elders

Visiting Elders share stories, wisdom and cultural activities that uphold traditions and enrich the students’ experiences at Okanagan College. Through their knowledge, story-telling, and life experience they impart valuable principles, teachings and guidance. Throughout the year, Elders are invited to the four campus locations to meet and interact with Aboriginal students.

HONOURING ABORIGINAL CULTURE

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Chezzeray Alphonse 27, Tsilhqot’in NationCarpentry Apprenticeship Level 4, 2015 graduateConstruction Craft Worker Peer Mentor at Okanagan College

Q: What inspired you to complete your apprenticeship at OC?

A: My uncle was a carpenter and I learned a few skills under his guidance. I wanted to learn a skill, to learn everything about the trade and give it my all. I had heard that the carpentry program at the College had a great reputation and a high success rate in passing the Interprovincial Red Seal exams. It was an easy choice.

Q: What resources were available to you as a student?

A: The people at the College were a huge help. They went above and beyond to help, showing kindness. You can really tell they put the students’ needs first. I had one instructor when I was falling behind who without hesitation offered to help me after class the exact day when I asked. The College also helped me get a job. Now that I am a Peer Mentor, I want to help empower other students to learn everything they can and get ahead in their career. One day I’d like to be a carpentry instructor.

Kacheena Naytowhow32, Cowessess First NationBachelor of Business Administration, 2013 graduateAccounts Payable Clerk at Westbank First Nation

“Education is a choice. Your background and upbringing does not necessarily determine who you will become. You have to be fearless; you can accomplish anything you put your mind to, you just have to take that first step.

I wanted a solid learning experience to set me up to be successful in my career. In my research, the Okanagan College School of Business was consistently noted as being one of the best in the country. The instructors have tremendous experience in the industry that helped me learn with real examples. But beyond the technical know-how, OC has helped me be confident and believe in myself, that is perhaps what was most valuable.”

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• Chief Robert Louie, Westbank First Nation (Distinguished Alumnus 2006)

• Lee Claremont, artist, Iroquois Grand River Six Nations (Distinguished Alumna 2010)

• Jeannette Armstrong, scholar, educator, artist, Penticton Indian Band (Honorary Fellow 2008 & Alumna)

• Barbara Marchand, artist, author, educator, Okanagan Nation (Honorary Fellow 2009 & Alumna)

• Ernie Philip, Dancing Bear, Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band Elder (Honorary Fellow 2013)

SOME OF OUR DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AND HONORARY FELLOWS:

Aboriginal students

More than

1500 8%of all Okanagan College students are Aboriginal

All programs hold a proportion of seats for Aboriginal learners who meet admissions criteria

$35,000in scholarships, bursaries & awards annually to Aboriginal students

2015: OC signed the Indigenous Education Protocol with First Nations and Métis partners

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450+trained Aboriginal apprentices since 2003

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Choose a program: Check out program information at okanagan.bc.ca/programs and decide which program and campus interests you. To check the program requirements, admissions, and minimum grades needed visit okanagan.bc.ca/calendar.

Contact an Aboriginal Transition Planner: Our dedicated team is here to help you plan out your application, review admission requirements, and provide guidance on available funding. They can also help you explore your options if you are unsure of what program to pursue.

Explore available funding: Talk with band Education Coordinators, College financial aid staff, and Aboriginal Transition Planners, Métis Associations, or employment counsellors about funding options.

Submit an application: Online application forms are available at okanagan.bc.ca/apply. Paper applications are also accepted. There is a $30 non-refundable application fee. The Aboriginal Transition Planners can provide assistance with the application process.

Track your application: Once you apply, you will receive a student number and login information for myOkanagan where you can see the status of your application and check on required documents. The College will email you about your application status.

Become an Okanagan College Student

APPLYNOW

SOME OF OUR DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AND HONORARY FELLOWS:

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Okanagan College Aboriginal Services

Email: aboriginal@okanagan.bc.ca

Reach out to an Aboriginal Transition Planner:

Penticton campus 250.492.4305 ext. 3280Kelowna campus 250.762.5445 ext. 4682Vernon campus 250.545.7291 ext. 2284Salmon Arm campus 250.832.2126 ext. 8275

www.facebook.com/ocaboriginalservices

www.okanagan.bc.ca/aboriginal

CONTACT US TODAY TO STEP INTO YOUR FUTURE